In the aftermath of passage of the healthcare reform bill, a question arises as to whether the House Pro-Life Caucus has meaning anymore.
The effectiveness of the Caucus, which welcomes Republicans and Democrats, seemed shaky when the supposedly pro-life Bart Stupak (D-Michigan) deserted his stance, taking others with him by voting in favor of the healthcare reform bill. That measure calls for citizens to finance abortions.
David O'Steen, executive director of the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), does not think that move will impact the clout of the Caucus in the future.
"For those who will stand for pro-life principles and not flinch, the future is, I would think, very good," he comments. "I would think pro-life Republicans [and] pro-life Democrats can continue to work together on issues that come before Congress."
After pressuring Stupak into not running again and defeating the veteran Alan Mollohan of West Virginia in a primary race, the people have already weeded out two Democratic House members, notes the pro-life activist.
"Now for those who are pro-life on the easy votes but are going to leave the pro-life position when the vote becomes harder -- in the sense that when the party leadership really cracks the whip, as I think happened on the healthcare bill -- then of course it becomes more difficult," O'Steen adds.
So as long as Caucus members are not "fair-weather members and...will stick with the pro-life movement [through] thick and thin," the NRLC executive director believes they will continue working to defend pre-born babies.
Contact: Charlie Butts
Source: OneNewsNow
Publish Date: May 22, 2010
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